My Coach - February 2011 issue

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | February 2011 55

My Coach

62 Get active and have fun: different forms of tennis provide participation opportunities for everyone.

64 Dedicated to the Territory: Pat Coburn and his team are helping Northern Territory kids become nationally competitive players.

65 What do you see? Robin Soderling’s backhand return is a stroke many players would love to emulate.

68 Coach talk

A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS

Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership

More and more these days, people have become time poor and can’t commit to regular tennis competitions. But they may still want to stay active and non-traditional tennis

programs can help your pupils get in the groove. This month, Australian Tennis Magazine looks at the benefits of

Beach Tennis and Cardio Tennis.

Beach TennisBeach Tennis originated in Italy in the early 1980s on the south-

east coastal region of Marina Di Ravenna, by Dotti Bellitinni, an elite athlete in his own right.

A hybrid of tennis, beach volleyball and badminton it’s an aerial game played with volleys. The scoring system is the same as traditional tennis, but the net is 1.7 metres high and the court is the same as beach volleyball – 16 m x 8 m.

Port Melbourne became the spiritual birthplace of Beach Tennis in Melbourne, and the bayside suburb has hosted five Australian Championships (the most recent in January 2011).

Beach Tennis not only increases participation levels, but has benefits that are translatable to traditional tennis.

Tennis Australia Club Professional coach Paul Mapley who has been a qualified tennis coach for 17 years and is the founder and pioneer of Beach Tennis in Australia, along with Kellie De Burgh, has seen the benefits first-hand.

“The sand activates all muscle groups, builds core strength, and has low impact on the joints. It enables strength gains in quadriceps and the ankle region to allow greater explosiveness required in serve volleying and serving in all court tennis,” he says.

“There’s mental strength benefits too as in beach tennis rules it’s one serve, no advantage and let cord is a live ball, so there is no time for a lapse in concentration. And it’s a sport where tennis players can hone their skills of volleying, speed and reflexes, whilst cross training and keeping their training regime fun.”

Beach Tennis is played in more than 53 countries with

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With various options available to participate in tennis or forms of tennis, there is sure to be something that will interest your vast clientele. By Daniela Toleski

A SECTION DEDICATED TO TENNIS AUSTRALIA COACH MEMBERS

Tennis Australia Coach Membership T: 03 9914 4191 F: 03 9650 1040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tennis.com.au/membership

GET ACTIVE AND HAVE FUN

62 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | February 2011

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Beach tennis

originated in Italy in

the early 1980s.


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approximately 5000 participants Australia-wide, Melbourne boasts the highest number of participants.

During summer it could be the perfect pre-season training alternative for your squads or assist with beginners to the sport.

“As the game is all based on volleys, reflex and confidence to take the ball earlier in tennis, and faster movement in and around the court can be seen,” Mapley says.

Tennis Australia Club Professional coach and qualified Beach Tennis coach (registered with the International Federation of Beach Tennis) Kim Davis also echoes this statement.

“Beach tennis is excellent for working on volleys and in particular reaction time at the net. Because players are constantly moving forward in beach tennis it naturally makes them want to move forward in tennis. From a strength and conditioning aspect it is fantastic. As they are constantly moving in the soft sand this leads to increased leg strength and power,” she says.

With only one serve in beach tennis, players may increase their ability to handle pressure situations and gain confidence to hit targets, while sudden death at deuce scoring reinforces the importance of every point.

“As a coach, I was looking for ways to freshen up my pupils and bring it all back to having fun again. Many children I surveyed over the years are hanging their racquets up in the holiday period and are leaving tennis due to boredom and high skill level required to play matches,” Mapley says.

But the fun element is making athletes come back for more and in the process they are transferring their skills to full-size court tennis.

“I have run a few social tournaments to give people an introduction to the sport. Everyone who picked up a racquet and tried it absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to play again,” Davis says.

The ITF recognises Beach Tennis as a sport derived from tennis and is working with European countries to help run more tournaments.

“The need for a cultural shift in sports is very evident, so as outside the square initiatives such as beach tennis come along, it needs to be taken seriously and looked at in ways where the contribution is greater, than just to tennis,” Mapley says.

“Drawing players from other sports to tennis, where Beach Tennis can be said to have influence from volleyball, badminton, squash and perhaps table tennis, Beach Tennis can be to tennis as snowboarding is to skiing, or skateboarding is to surfing.”

Cardio tennisTennis Australia explored the existing

successful Cardio Tennis product from the US and is working on the national implementation of the program for the Australian market.

“It provides coaches with a great option to offer a short and intensive fitness based tennis activity to their clients,” Tennis Australia’s National Programs Manager Belinda Kleverlaan says.

“The high intensity nature of the program ensures players hit lots of balls whilst also improving their fitness.”

One of the largest consumer research projects for sport in Australia was conducted and the tennis participation research in the young adults and young families (parents) segment found fitness is a major motivator to playing tennis.

Based on this research, it was recommended a national fitness based tennis program be developed.

“Our plan is to use the best learnings from Cardio Tennis USA, whilst tailoring a product based on local research and experience to suit the Australian market,” Kleverlaan says.

“Cardio Tennis offers a total body workout that features on-court warm-ups, intensive cardio session and cool down. It’s a fun group activity, featuring drills and games to give players of all abilities the ultimate high energy workout.”

In early January Tennis Australia hosted 26 coaches from around Australia to a Cardio Tennis Trainers workshop. The workshop was held at Scotch College and presented by Michele Krause (National Cardio Tennis Program Manager and Speakers Team Director, USA).

The coaches who participated will be piloting programs at their own venues in Term 1 and then contribute to program development and deliver workshops to other coaches in their state in Term 2 and further down the track.

“A number of coaches already offer a similar fitness based product. The introduction of a national program will help raise the profile of this concept, enable Tennis Australia to promote better to consumers and provide a wide range of resources to assist in program delivery,” Kleverlaan says.

So take a closer look, increase your athletes’ enthusiasm and get them playing tennis, in all its shapes and sizes, for longer and more often.

Beach Tennis costsn Port Melbourne beach: $15.00 a session

– go to beachtennis.com.au.n Redcliffe on Suttons Beach, Queensland:

$10.00 a session or five sessions for $45.00 – email [email protected].

n Kite beach in St Kilda, Melbourne: FREE – email [email protected].

Cardio TennisTennis Australia coach members will be able to sign up for Cardio Tennis as a Coach Membership upgrade in 2011–2012.

Cardio Tennis offers a total body workout.


the urge to coach

It was football that was initially calling when Pat Coburn returned to Darwin, from Adelaide, in 1985.

But the qualified accountant soon found another more powerful calling with tennis coaching.

“In those days there weren’t many coaches around Darwin. I got asked to do a few hours coaching by the owners of a new tennis centre that had just opened and within a few months I was earning more from coaching than I was in my day job,” Coburn says.

“I tossed in the accounting and have been coaching full-time in Darwin ever since.”

The Tennis Australia Club Professional coach was subsequently offered a share in the business and in September 1986 he became the business manager and head tennis coach at the Darwin Tennis Centre.

“Over the years I turned the facility into a multi-sport centre now known as DTC Sports. I have been the head coach there ever since so that makes it 25 years,” he says.

A player’s journey is something that has given

Coburn satisfaction in the job he is completing.

“I remember teaching my younger sister to hit a topspin backhand. The feeling of accomplishment I got when I saw her achieving it, gave me a real buzz,” he says. “I guess that’s the feeling that I’m still chasing.

“Nothing in tennis beats seeing young athletic kids fall in love

with the game.”

Athletes making a markThese days he is proud to boast that all five

Northern Territory athletes – Hrehan Hakeem, Ashlee Brown, Kassandra Dunser, Emily Moo and Emily Webb – who have won Australian singles or doubles titles have been DTC Sports athletes.

“Although I worked with all of them it was Kassandra Dunser’s journey from starting tennis as a seven year old through to winning an Australian singles title as a 13-year-old that really gave me the confidence that I could develop nationally competitive athletes,” he says.

While with the younger kids Coburn believes it’s all about letting them achieve so they enjoy their tennis experience.

“As coaches we have to make tennis a sport they can play. Kids have great imaginations; they are great at making up games,” he says.

“Real tennis for kids doesn’t have to be tennis as we know it. When I finally realised that coaching was less about teaching and more about creating an environment where kids could learn I started to get much better results.”

As a vote of confidence, almost all the players Coburn has worked with have been at DTC Sports since they started participating in the sport.

“Although I work with most of our players in squads, that’s not the case with private lessons,” he says.

“Between our team of coaches we try and match players with the type of coach that will get the best out of them. That always helps to foster positive coach player relationships.”

Seeing first-hand the commitment and hard work put in by the Northern Territory top players is encouraging for the juniors coming up the ranks.

“It’s just a culture thing. They know to be good they have to get their hours up and they have to travel.

“The early mornings and long hours are just part of the package. The athlete, the parents and the coach all have to accept the sacrifices if the player is going to be nationally competitive,” he says.

developing coachesIn Coburn’s eyes the strength of a playing

field is also seen through the knowledge of the coaching team.

“I am driven to develop a sustainable future for tennis in the Territory,” he says. “I invest heavily in the education of my coaches. As I see it, if a coach shows a love for Darwin and the Territory and they give their heart and soul on the court for the kids then I will do whatever it takes to help them on their coaching journey.”

Having now coached for 25 years Coburn looks at Australian tennis in a more positive light than ever before.

“I believe the next five years will be a very exciting time for tennis in Australia and I’m looking forward to watching future Australian Grand Slam success.”

Pat Coburn and his team at DTC Sports are offering an environment where Territory kids have the opportunity to become nationally competitive tennis players.

Name: Pat Coburn

Qualifications: Tennis Australia

Club Professional coach

Tennis Australia Development

Coach

Club: DTC Sports, NT

Coaching awards: 2004 TCA

Advanced Coaches Award of

Excellence. 2004 and 2009 NT

Sports Awards Coach of the Year

dedicated to the territory

Pat Coburn believes real tennis for kids doesn’t have to be tennis as we know it.

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Robin Soderling started the year well by winning the Brisbane International. He is known for his big forehand but in this picture he shows some of the keys to his backhand return of serve.

By the Stroke Master

What do you see?

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Both the hands and arms work in unison.


Short and compact backswing to allow necessary adjustment to the oncoming serve

Continental right hand and eastern left-handed grip.

Semi open stance provides the hips with freedom to rotate.


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Where Science MeetS Art

the trAvel bug

Travel is a challenge faced by most tennis players. Whether playing in regional, interstate or international tournaments, travel can be detrimental to performance if not managed well. For players

who have done the hard work in training, the potential hazards associated with travel are the final hurdles to overcome to ensure a top performance. An unwell Rafael Nadal chose to delay the long flight to Melbourne for the Australian Open this year, disrupting his planned tournament preparations to recover and avoid worsening his ailment by flying.

While there are many aspects of travel that may impact an athlete’s ability to play well, good nutrition is vital for optimal health and to get the most out of performance at the times when it counts the most.

Regardless of the mode of transport, travel can be stressful. Not only does a player face the prospect of many hours spent in transit, the combination of fatigue, poor sleep and dehydration often associated with travel can disrupt the body’s normal defence mechanisms against illness and infection.

Dehydration can suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness. While remaining hydrated is important when

using any mode of transport, there is a greater risk of dehydration when flying due to the dry environment created by the pressurised cabin.

A water bottle is essential for any travel to ensure adequate hydration. In the air, it is vital that players sip from their bottle regularly and don’t rely on cabin service to meet their fluid needs.

On international flights, bottled water should be purchased after passing through security.

While it was once thought that caffeinated beverages acted as a diuretic and contributed to dehydration, research now suggests that a moderate intake by regular caffeine users, does not negatively impact hydration status. Before giving caffeine the green light, it is important to consider the impact it may have on sleep and the potential for increased fatigue as a result.

Long hours associated with travel can impact on normal eating patterns and can result in boredom. Often the choices available on the road or in the air are unsuitable, so players should be prepared and pack their own snacks and meals. Easily transportable options include low fat cereal/muesli bars, fruit, rice crackers, fruit buns and sandwiches. It is important for players to be aware of their food intake, as it is easy to eat as a result of being bored. As travel is a time when athletes use significantly less energy than training, it is important that they keep occupied with other activities. To aid in the prevention of jet lag on long flights, players should aim to eat at times appropriate to their destination. A light carbohydrate-based meal can help induce sleep.

Whether playing in regional, interstate or international tournaments, travel can be detrimental to performance if not managed well.

Travel creates a constant challenge for players like Maria Sharapova.


What the difference is between jet stress and jet lag?

Jet lag is the desynchronisation of the body’s internal clock as a result of rapid travel across time zones between countries. It is influenced by a number of factors including exercise, diet and

heat, but it is largely controlled by the body’s exposure to light and dark.

Symptoms of jet lag include fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances, decreased mental and physical performance, lack of appetite and bowel irregularities. The effect of jet lag is greatest when three or more time zones are crossed.

Jet lag can impair performance so allow adequate time after arrival and before competition to adjust. Although there is variation among individuals, a general guide is to allow one full day of acclimatisation for every one hour time zone crossed. Westbound travel tends to cause less jet lag, due in part to the longer day.

Strategies to minimise jet lag include: n Setting watches to the destination time on or before departuren Avoiding late night departuresn Planning flights to maximise sleepn Establishment of a new sleep/wake cycle with early exposure to

sunlight and physical activity on arrival n Avoiding sleep during the daytime.

Jet stress refers to the effects of air travel, regardless of the

number of time zones crossed. Issues such as dehydration due to pressurised air cabins, sleep disturbance, lengthy delays and periods in transit as well as compromised nutritional intake can all contribute to jet stress.

What to do when …Whether you are accompanying your athlete or they are travelling

solo, it is important for players to plan ahead. Athletes should be encouraged to research the climate and food options available at their destination, as well as a time zone map (where applicable). This will help determine how a player should prepare for their journey, and what food items they will be required to take with them.

Some items that players may choose to travel with include breakfast cereals, supplements and cereal bars if they are not readily available. Asking a player to rate the following on a daily basis after flying will help monitor jet lag and travel fatigue and ascertain how long an athlete needs to recover from the effects of flying:n Feelings of jet lagn Duration and quality of sleepn Alertness after wakingn Appetiten Frequency and consistency of bowel motions compared to

usual.

ever Wonder …

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reSeArch corner

Probiotics are microbial food supplements that have been shown to have a positive effect on gastrointestinal health. They are present in several foods such as yoghurt and other dairy

products, or as commercial supplements. For players travelling overseas, the combination of a number of

factors including stress, fatigue, jet lag, disruption to body rhythms and exposure to new foods and water supplies can affect the number of protective bacteria in the gut.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common problem, with over 50 percent of travellers to high-risk countries experiencing this illness. Research shows that probiotics may assist in the prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea by enhancing immune cell function, preventing the attachment of harmful bacteria in the gut and re-establishing the balance of healthy bacteria.

Players considering the use of any supplement should check whether its use is permitted in tennis by visiting the ASADA website asada.gov.au.

further reAding:McFarland, L. Meta-analysis for probiotics for the prevention of traveler’s diarrhea. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease (2007) 5, 97-105.Fricker P. Medical and nutritional issues for the travelling athlete In Clinical Sports Nutrition 4th Ed. 2010, McGraw-Hill Australia.

Bethanie Allanson is Tennis Australia’s Performance Nutritionist.

Hydration is crucial in guarding against jet lag.


CoaCh Talk

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During the AO Series events and Australian Open 2011 there was a range of coach messaging for the public. Every qualified coach involved with MLC Tennis Hot Shot

promotions, Talent Development program initiatives, coaches involved with Fan Zone were wearing the “I am a qualified coach. Is Yours? polos. Promotional posters and post cards were given out to the public at Kids Tennis Day, Fan Zone and tennis booths to promote the messages:n Find your local Tennis Australia qualified coach at tennis.com.

au/coaches.n Regardless of your age or playing level, Tennis Australia qualified

coaches have the technical expertise to help develop your skills and maximise your potential in a fun learning environment.

n There are more than 2800 qualified Tennis Australia coaches around the country who deliver the sport to all ages at all skill levels.

n Tennis Australia qualified coaches are insured and screened, and have the knowledge and technical expertise to create a fun learning environment and help improve kids’ skills.

In a time usually spent on Australian beaches and enjoying Christmas leftovers, Tennis Australia’s Professional Development Coordinator Belinda Colaneri and Coach Development Coordinator

– Queensland Derek Burden conducted a two day workshop with 97 Singapore coaches in Singapore.

A range of on and off court themes were presented during the workshop. While the Singaporeans were initially very shy and hesitant to become involved in the activities, they all embraced Tennis Australia’s approach of ensuring that all participants were engaged and active after two days the coaches were exceptionally appreciative of the opportunity to learn from Tennis Australia coaches.

Singapore Tennis sees the importance of having a strong relationship with Tennis Australia and we hope this will continue in the years to come. Tennis Australia would like to thank Mr Gilbert Ng, General Manager of the Singapore Tennis Association, for the organisation of the workshop and his hospitality.

Singapore SucceSS

Is your coach qualified?

Ian Fuelscher, Tennis Australia Junior Development coach wearing the “I am qualified coach. Is yours?” at Tennis Kids’ Day on Saturday 15 January.

Derek Burden, Joel Loo and Belinda Colaneri share expert coaching knowledge in Singapore.

Tennis Australia’s Kids Tennis Day attracted close to 8000 tennis fans to Melbourne Park on Saturday 15 January,

including children of all ages who had the unique opportunity to play tennis on the same courts as their Australian Open heroes.

“The children loved having a hit on the courts,” said Allison Goldie of Upper Ferntree Gully, whose son Joel, 9, participated in the activities. “It has been a really fantastic day, we’ve loved it.”

Australian favourite and former world No. 8, Alicia Molik, was among the top players having a hit with the children.

“The motivation behind Kids Tennis Day

was all about giving kids a great tennis experience and having fun,” said Tennis Australia’s Director of Tennis Craig Tiley.

“We wanted to put a racquet in the hand of every child in attendance and ensure they had fun – and they certainly did. The reaction we’ve had from the kids and their families has been tremendous.”

This event was made possible by the involvement of over 30 Tennis Australia qualified coaches, who led on-court activities and promoted the benefits of a qualified coach by wearing their distinctive polo shirts with the slogan … I am a qualified coach on the front, and Is yours? on the back.

Kids Take to the Courts Young players loved the chance to play on the same courts on which their heroes compete.


CoaCh Talk

The annual Brisbane International Coaches’ Conference was conducted on Wednesday 5 January, attracting

more than 50 coaches from all around Queensland.

With a theme of ‘Getting the Foundations Right’, coaches were treated to practical examples of developing fundamental motor skills for under five-year-olds by Gail Aiken (founder and CEO of MPowerdome),

improving communication with young athletes by Jonah Oliver (National Academy Brisbane Sports Psychologist) and key strength and conditioning principals with developing players with Grant Jenkins (National Academy Brisbane – Strength and Conditioning coach).

The day concluded with a Q & A session with David Taylor (Australia’s Fed Cup captain and coach of Sam Stosur),

followed by Jay Berger (USTA Head of Men’s Tennis and coach of Mardy Fish). Taylor commented that “coach education is a huge part of an effective system” and has always been open to donating time from his busy schedule to share his experiences on the tour with our Australian coaches.

The day was a huge success and we look forward to an even bigger and better conference in 2011.

2011 BrisBane international CoaChes’ ConferenCe

More than 260 tennis coaches from around Australia and other parts of the world descended upon

Melbourne Park from 13–15 January for the 2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference.

“This was the fourth year we’ve run the Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference, and it was a record breaking year because we’ve got over 260 people participating in the event,” said Travis Atkinson, Tennis Australia’s Coach Development Manager.

A talented line-up of speakers featured in the three-day program, including Roger Federer’s coach Paul Annacone and the former fitness trainer of Andre Agassi, Gil Reyes.

“Paul Annacone has an amazingly distinguished career as a college player, pro player, and also as a tennis coach,” Atkinson says.

“Our role in Coach Development is to develop the best coaches for everyone at all levels, and in particular Paul has done

an amazing job of developing the players at the highest level, so we were very excited to have him as part of our conference.”

Despite being a world leader in the coaching world, Annacone remains extremely humble.

“Every time I wake up I kind of have to pinch myself a little bit, I’ve been pretty fortunate in my career, because I’ve had the best jobs you can have in terms of coaching at the top level, being around Pete [Sampras] for eight years, Tim Henman for four, and now lucky enough to be working with Roger [Federer],” Annacone says.

Gil Reyes was a late addition to the conference program, which thrilled Matthew Bull of Western Australia, who recently won the Australian Tennis Award for Coaching Excellence in Tennis Australia’s kids’ starter program – MLC Tennis Hot Shots.

“Obviously I booked in to do the conference and was quite happy with the speakers, but to get Gil Reyes as well, it’s

just a real added bonus,” Bull says.Reyes covered a variety of topics during

his one hour presentation, including his relationship with Andre Agassi, the importance of good nutrition and strength development, and his vision for tennis.

Former pro player and Tennis Australia Academy Head Coach, Scott Draper, world leading biomechanist Professor Bruce Elliott, skills acquisition specialist Dr Damien Farrow, were some of the other keynote speakers along with Michele Krause of Cardio Tennis USA, Pat Rafter’s former development coach Gary Stickler and Australian Institute of Sport Women’s Coach, Nicole Pratt.

For more information please contact [email protected].• Please go to tennis.com.au to download notes, presentations and check out photos from the event. Videos coming soon to your state resource library, available through your Coach Development Coordinator.

Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference

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The 2011 Australian Grand Slam Coaches Conference was attended by more than 260 coaches, with Gil Reyes (middle) a late addition to the line-up.


I have been lucky to be involved in high performance sport for the best part of 20 years.

I have been extremely fortunate to work with Olympic Gold medallists, world champions, world record holders, premiership title winners, World Cup winners … champion athletes, teams and coaches in many different sports and in several different countries.

Quite often, when I do professional speaking or training with corporate or sporting groups, someone in the audience will ask, “What do all the winners have in common?” or “From your experience, what things do all the great athletes, teams and coaches do that makes them the best?”.

There are indeed some things all the great ones have in common: The top 20 tips on being the best through my eyes:1. Perseverance: they never

give up.2. Humility: they are confident – but not

arrogant – seeking performance not praise.3. A passion for continuous improvement:

they embrace the belief that ‘success is a moving target’ and that they can always get better at what they do.

4. Honesty: they are honest with themselves and other people realising that true progress is not possible without it.

5. They know how to win: they are comfortable chasing victory and thinking about, talking about and pursuing winning.

6. Self-belief: they believe in themselves and the limitless possibilities and potential they possess.

7. The courage to be different: they know that the essential quality of being the best means daring to be different and being unique.

8. No compromises: they drive towards their goals without compromise, without backing down, without surrender.

9. The ability to learn fast and accelerate

improvement faster than their opposition: they know that improvement is essential and that improvement comes from learning. To learn faster means to improve faster and win sooner.

10. Passion: they love what they do and do what they love.

11 . Hatred of losing: they tolerate losing only for one reason: to learn from it so that they become stronger, more resilient and better in the future.

12. Discipline: they know that winners are willing to do whatever it takes to prepare

to win and will pay whatever it costs to be the best. What

others see as sacrifice, winners see as lifestyle.

13. Self-acceptance: they accept who they are without judgement and are comfortable being themselves in all situations.

14. Consistency: they know that one moment

of glory comes from many years of consistently out-planning

and out-preparing their opposition.15. Vision of what could be – not what is:

they see where things are going and do whatever it takes to get there first.

16. A clear personal philosophy: they know who they are.

17. A clear set of personal values: they know what they stand for.

18. Action driven – they ‘do’ things: they know that while everyone thinks about being great and talks about being great, greatness comes from actions.

19. The capacity to ‘re-invent’ themselves: they know that time stands still for no one and that they need to stay relevant to the times and situations they live in.

20. They live excellence: they know that excellence is not a single moment or competition: it is a habit – a daily commitment to being the best.

Read the full version of this blog at sportscoachingbrain.com/top-20-tips-greatness or sign up for regular email posts from Wayne Goldsmith at sportscoachingbrain.com.

Coaches’ corner

Drawn from 20 years of experience, WAYNE GOLDSMITH delivers 20 tips on being the best.

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BE YOUR BEST

Natalie Bacon was the inaugural winner of the trip to New York

and attended the three-day 2010 USTA Tennis Teachers Conference and US Open.

“TCAV each year will draw a member to attend the USTA coaches conference and US Open. Our motto is “Coaches Supporting Coaches” and with this initiative we give one of our members this once in a lifetime professional development opportunity,” say Director of Complete Tennis Services Tim Connelly.

At the 2011 Australian Open Coaches’ Conference the winner for the 2011 trip was drawn. The trip is valued at $3000 with all flights, accommodation, conference fees and three days entry to the US Open covered.

“The US Tennis Teachers Conference had many popular and knowledgeable people speaking. There was a lot of information about the new international rule coming in for the 10/u to use coloured balls in all competitions,” Natalie Bacon says.

“The conference was very informative and gave me many ideas for Hot Shots and it was the area I focused on when choosing the seminars to attend.”

“The conference was very informative and a good networking arena, to be able to attend another Grand Slam tournament, was an experience I will never forget – I can’t thank the TCAV enough for giving me this opportunity.”

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal combines confidence with humility.


Developing serve and return patternsFocus: server: developing winning plays by opening the court receiver: neutralising the servey coach movementStage: encourage (10-12 years), enhance (12-15 years)Equipment: tennis balls, conesTime: 30 mins

A

A

B

B

A

B

A

Coach Coach feed Ball direction Spot markers Buckets

Player Thrower/Catcher Player movement Drop down lines HoopsKey

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Description 1 • Serve to wide zones to open court.

• Serve two shots to the deuce court and two shots to the ad court.

• Complete two sets then do description #2.

Description 2 • Serve wide to open the court.

• Returner focuses on hitting deep cross court through targets. The

players aim is to neutralise the serve by hitting a deep cross court

return.

• Eight serves/returns and rotate.

• To make competitive add scoring for successful/nonsuccesful

returns.

• Return to description #1.

Description 3 • Serve wide opening the court and play point.

• Server gets a bonus point if they win in four strokes or less.

• Returner gets a bonus point if they win in more than four strokes.

• Ensure rotation of server and returner.

• N.B. Alternate activities as required to ensure players are

appropriately challenged.

My Coach - February 2011 issue

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